Judge orders Trump administration to end taxpayer-funded TV ads
A U.S. judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, halting the use of taxpayer funds for television advertisements. The ruling follows a lawsuit alleging that the ads, which resemble campaign materials, constitute an illegal misuse of government funds.
Why it matters
The case highlights legal boundaries regarding the use of public funds for government publicity versus political campaigning.
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York sided with a coalition, including the non-partisan watchdog Common Cause, that challenged the ads and called them an illegal misuse of funds.
In granting a temporary restraining order, she told the administration to cancel any remaining ads, including any set to air Sunday night.
"Defendants shall not enter into, renew, or expand any agreement authorizing the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements" during the two-week duration of her order, Rochon said.
The White House did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment on Sunday night. In a court filing late Saturday, the Justice Department argued that the temporary restraining order was unnecessary because "the alleged offending conduct will end tomorrow."
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